ProMechanicshttp://promechanics.com
Updates from the Professional Race Mechanics CommunityTue, 02 Jul 2013 17:29:01 +0000en-UShourly1Bill Woodul Mechanics’ Clinic Details Releasedhttp://promechanics.com/bill-woodul-mechanics-clinic-details-released/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bill-woodul-mechanics-clinic-details-released
http://promechanics.com/bill-woodul-mechanics-clinic-details-released/#commentsTue, 02 Jul 2013 17:29:01 +0000CClintonhttp://promechanics.com/?p=2297Here’s your chance to get the inside scoop on life as a race mechanic while expanding a few of your skills.

Each year some of the top race mechanics gather to teach courses on tubular gluing, race equipment preparation, caravan positioning, event support and more. This year the Bill Woodul Mechanics’ Clinic will occur November 13-17th at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado. While that date is still far out, this clinic tends to fill quickly. With that in mind, get in contact and register soon.

More details are in this pdf document: Flier 13 Clinic Final

]]>Here’s your chance to get the inside scoop on life as a race mechanic while expanding a few of your skills.

Each year some of the top race mechanics gather to teach courses on tubular gluing, race equipment preparation, caravan positioning, event support and more. This year the Bill Woodul Mechanics’ Clinic will occur November 13-17th at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado. While that date is still far out, this clinic tends to fill quickly. With that in mind, get in contact and register soon.

]]>http://promechanics.com/bill-woodul-mechanics-clinic-details-released/feed/0We’ve updated the Team Mechanics listhttp://promechanics.com/weve-updated-the-team-mechanics-list/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=weve-updated-the-team-mechanics-list
http://promechanics.com/weve-updated-the-team-mechanics-list/#commentsTue, 19 Feb 2013 02:55:37 +0000CClintonhttp://promechanics.com/?p=2121UCI recently released their list of registered 2013 mountain bike teams and we used that information to update our list of teams. Are you working with a mountain bike team this season? If so, let us know using the form at the bottom of this page.

We could use some help with our road and bmx teams as well.

The list can be found here: Team Mechanics.

]]>UCI recently released their list of registered 2013 mountain bike teams and we used that information to update our list of teams. Are you working with a mountain bike team this season? If so, let us know using the form at the bottom of this page.

]]>http://promechanics.com/weve-updated-the-team-mechanics-list/feed/0Kickstarting a new mini-toolhttp://promechanics.com/kickstarting-a-new-mini-tool/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kickstarting-a-new-mini-tool
http://promechanics.com/kickstarting-a-new-mini-tool/#commentsWed, 16 Jan 2013 21:10:39 +0000CClintonhttp://promechanics.com/?p=2106Got a little spare cash in your pockets? There is a Kickstarter project that could use your help. Though not necessarily a professional mechanics’ tool, this device could fit nicely in your jump pack or as a spare set in your tool box. Fix It Sticks appear to be lightweight, modular and customizable. For more information, check out their Kickstarter page.

While we are talking about compact tools, what is your mini or multi tool of choice? Leave us a comment below.

]]>Got a little spare cash in your pockets? There is a Kickstarter project that could use your help. Though not necessarily a professional mechanics’ tool, this device could fit nicely in your jump pack or as a spare set in your tool box. Fix It Sticks appear to be lightweight, modular and customizable. For more information, check out their Kickstarter page.

While we are talking about compact tools, what is your mini or multi tool of choice? Leave us a comment below.

]]>http://promechanics.com/kickstarting-a-new-mini-tool/feed/0USA Cycling releases 2013 National Track Calendarhttp://promechanics.com/usa-cycling-releases-2013-national-track-calendar/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=usa-cycling-releases-2013-national-track-calendar
http://promechanics.com/usa-cycling-releases-2013-national-track-calendar/#commentsFri, 11 Jan 2013 19:29:28 +0000CClintonhttp://promechanics.com/?p=2099This year’s schedule for national level track racing kicks off in May in Texas and runs into September where it finishes off at the VELO Sports Center in Carson, CA. For more information on this seven event schedule, check out USA Cycling.
]]>This year’s schedule for national level track racing kicks off in May in Texas and runs into September where it finishes off at the VELO Sports Center in Carson, CA. For more information on this seven event schedule, check out USA Cycling.

I remember years when I felt like an old school janitor with a large quantity of keys. The house key, the truck key, the trailer hitch key, the key for the lock on the trailer’s side door, the key or keys for the trailer’s rear door locks, the key for the tool box, the key for the cable lock, and many more keys. Now, due to a product line called BOLT, those time may be changing.

BOLT, or Breakthrough One-Key Lock Technology, allows you to use your car or truck key on multiple locks. Using the BOLT system, you can discard multiple trailer specific keys and stick with your one vehicle key.

While not a solution for every situation, this sounds like the answer for many time consuming or cumbersome experiences for the race mechanic:

* less keys in ...]]>

Or maybe the pocket savior?

I remember years when I felt like an old school janitor with a large quantity of keys. The house key, the truck key, the trailer hitch key, the key for the lock on the trailer’s side door, the key or keys for the trailer’s rear door locks, the key for the tool box, the key for the cable lock, and many more keys. Now, due to a product line called BOLT, those time may be changing.

BOLT, or Breakthrough One-Key Lock Technology, allows you to use your car or truck key on multiple locks. Using the BOLT system, you can discard multiple trailer specific keys and stick with your one vehicle key.

While not a solution for every situation, this sounds like the answer for many time consuming or cumbersome experiences for the race mechanic:

* less keys in the pocket

* less weight hanging from the belt

* less time spent locating the key ring with the trailer keys

* less time spent determining which key fits which lock

* less keys to carry when ditching the vehicle and gear for a ride

* less confusion as to who has which set of keys

Imagine locking the trailer to the truck, locking the trailer, locking the bikes and then locking the truck, all with a single key.

]]>http://promechanics.com/could-this-be-the-trailer-savior/feed/0Show us your sleeping hubhttp://promechanics.com/show-us-your-sleeping-hub/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=show-us-your-sleeping-hub
http://promechanics.com/show-us-your-sleeping-hub/#commentsWed, 02 Jan 2013 19:30:06 +0000CClintonhttp://promechanics.com/?p=2074James Huang kicks off the year for Bike Radar with a review of one of the pricier sleeping hubs from Butter, the b1. As mentioned by James, at $50 this device is pricy. However, if you are seeking a tool that should last longer, this may be your solution….and it has a unique appearance (unless you are carrying around Calvin’s home made revolver model).

Following James’ lead, let’s chat about sleeping hubs.

First off, what is a sleeping hub?
A sleeping hub is a chain keeper designed to replace the hub or wheel when cleaning. In most cases, a ‘sleeping hub’ is mounted to the drive side drop out and includes a shoulder for the chain to reside. The intent is to allow the mechanic to continue rotating the drive train while preventing the chain from dragging on the frame. It also provides ...]]>

James Huang kicks off the year for Bike Radar with a review of one of the pricier sleeping hubs from Butter, the b1. As mentioned by James, at $50 this device is pricy. However, if you are seeking a tool that should last longer, this may be your solution….and it has a unique appearance (unless you are carrying around Calvin’s home made revolver model).

Following James’ lead, let’s chat about sleeping hubs.

First off, what is a sleeping hub?
A sleeping hub is a chain keeper designed to replace the hub or wheel when cleaning. In most cases, a ‘sleeping hub’ is mounted to the drive side drop out and includes a shoulder for the chain to reside. The intent is to allow the mechanic to continue rotating the drive train while preventing the chain from dragging on the frame. It also provides the mechanic with access to smaller spaces on the bike such as behind the bottom bracket and behind the crank and chain rings. In same cases, these sleeping hubs can also be used when packing the bike for transport.

Are there other options?
Besides Butter, we have seen sleeping hubs in stores from Morgan Blue, Birzman and Pedros. The Pedros Chain Keeper is one of the more popular due to it’s low cost, availability and ease of use.

Are you one of the creative types?Looking for something unique? Try making one yourself. As mentioned above, Calvin Jones of Park Tool has a ‘sleeping hub’ made from the barrel of a revolver. Yes, by revolver we mean hand gun. Many of the mechanics on the circuit are using models like the one shown at right. What about yours? Leave us a comment below with a link to your favorite sleeping hub. Or, send us an image through Twitter.

Looking for some inspiration?
Try one of these websites:

a mechanic at Problem Solvers mounted a pulley wheel on a shortened skewer.

here is an Instructable for a chain keeper using a clothes line pulley on an axle

So…let’s see yours.

………………..

Since posting this article we have received numerous suggestions and images. Here are just a few:

Bill McPherson, Bissel Pro Cycling’s mechanic, sent us this image of his custom unit using a Powertap axle and a plastic sleeve from Ace Hardware.

]]>http://promechanics.com/show-us-your-sleeping-hub/feed/22013 UCI Continental and Women’s teams announcedhttp://promechanics.com/2013-uci-continental-and-womens-teams-announced/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2013-uci-continental-and-womens-teams-announced
http://promechanics.com/2013-uci-continental-and-womens-teams-announced/#commentsWed, 19 Dec 2012 23:40:55 +0000CClintonhttp://promechanics.com/?p=2066USA Cycling is also making team announcements today providing the list of the eight US Continental and three Women’s teams.

Mechanics: As a reminder, please let us know of any changes in your team employment based on these updates.

* almost refers to the fact that there are still three teams who potentially may appear in this division

]]>http://promechanics.com/uci-releases-list-of-2013-pro-continental-teams/feed/0The 2013 racing season is right around the cornerhttp://promechanics.com/the-2013-racing-season-is-right-around-the-corner/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-2013-racing-season-is-right-around-the-corner
http://promechanics.com/the-2013-racing-season-is-right-around-the-corner/#commentsWed, 12 Dec 2012 16:47:54 +0000CClintonhttp://promechanics.com/?p=2052It’s been a busy start to the week with notice of a shorter offseason for those who ride in the dirt and announcements of who is in or out of the Pro Tour.

First off, the UCI released their final list of Pro Tour teams earlier today. According to the list on their website Katusha is out, Argos-Shimano are in and questions regarding both SaxoBank and RadioShackNissan are answered.

The UCI also issued a statement that they have been talking to the owner of Omega Pharma-QuickStep regarding the development of new professional road racing calendar. Their statement can be seen here and stay tuned for more information to come this spring.

Not to be left out of the news, USA Cycling announced 2013 professional mountain bike schedule. They’ve announced a start date of March 2nd in Texas followed by three events in California ...]]>

Union Cycliste Internationale Logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s been a busy start to the week with notice of a shorter offseason for those who ride in the dirt and announcements of who is in or out of the Pro Tour.

First off, the UCI released their final list of Pro Tour teams earlier today. According to the list on their website Katusha is out, Argos-Shimano are in and questions regarding both SaxoBank and RadioShackNissan are answered.

The UCI also issued a statement that they have been talking to the owner of Omega Pharma-QuickStep regarding the development of new professional road racing calendar. Their statement can be seen here and stay tuned for more information to come this spring.

Not to be left out of the news, USA Cycling announced 2013 professional mountain bike schedule. They’ve announced a start date of March 2nd in Texas followed by three events in California and then back east. What does this mean for you, the team mechanic? A shorter offseason. Most US mechanics will be preparing mountain bikes for the upcoming season while still maintaining bikes and caring for athletes for Cross Nationals and Worlds. For more details on the upcoming season, checkout USA CYCLING.

]]>http://promechanics.com/the-2013-racing-season-is-right-around-the-corner/feed/0Neutral Support Program For Salehttp://promechanics.com/neutral-support-program-for-sale/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=neutral-support-program-for-sale
http://promechanics.com/neutral-support-program-for-sale/#commentsMon, 10 Dec 2012 05:46:45 +0000CClintonhttp://promechanics.com/?p=2041A great opportunity exists for someone ready to take the helm of an existing neutral support program. Chris Zigmont has taken on a new task and is seeking a buyer for this seasoned program.

Per Chris on Facebook:“Système-D Neutral Racing Service Friends, our wonderful little NRS outfit may well be shutting its doors. We’ve got gear, we’ve got races, and we’ve got more and more interest. The trouble is, I’ve taken a new day job that will keep me from running Système-D. Do you want to run it? Do you want to buy the gear? Chime in.”

]]>A great opportunity exists for someone ready to take the helm of an existing neutral support program. Chris Zigmont has taken on a new task and is seeking a buyer for this seasoned program.

Per Chris on Facebook:“Système-D Neutral Racing Service Friends, our wonderful little NRS outfit may well be shutting its doors. We’ve got gear, we’ve got races, and we’ve got more and more interest. The trouble is, I’ve taken a new day job that will keep me from running Système-D. Do you want to run it? Do you want to buy the gear? Chime in.”